Feeling French / Se sentir français

Je suis - I AM finding inspiration through the French way of life; their interiors, the way they entertain and through art. This week I thought I’d share some french things from around the Chalet.

Santé - Sancerre - is a crisp lovely white and perfect anytime.

The Paris Apartment is a locked room mystery, set in an apartment building in which every resident has something to hide.

I finally bought A Year In The French Style the images are stunning.

This wonderful book was found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’m planning to visit France next year and was thrilled when I came across this phrasebook and dictionary at the local library’s on the sale shelf.

This book is filled with humor and it uncovers some of the secrets of the celebrated French art of living well.

Kate and Frida’s friendship sustains and encourages them through their letters from Seattle and Paris to one another. This is on my summer reading list for Book Club and I’m excited to meet these ladies and explore their friendship.

I’ve owned Mr. Harte’s Holiday since I found it at an Encore Books Store in April 1994. I was drawn to the dust jacket, the story and the wonderful art within it’s pages. It’s the tale of a British artist sharing his travels in Normandy and Brittany, accompanied by the watercolors he painted.

Bringing France Home has been in my collection for almost 30 years and I love it as much today as I did when I purchased it.

Friends I own books about Chatsworth House in England, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, The White House and Williamsburg, VA and Design books - many many design books. I do find it quite enjoyable to dive into places and subjects.

Do you have books focused on a particular place or subject?

Til next time I hope your summer is going well and I’ll see you on Instagram.

Jewels of the Sea

Yes, jewels of the sea is how I think of seashells.

I’ve finally gotten a moment to breathe after the craziness of the last month. It finally feels like summer with nicer weather and time relaxing at the swim club. Of course this has me looking around at my many seashells collections and dreaming of the beach. I just said to family - When can we pop down to the beach for a day? We’ve enjoyed beach weeks 12 times over the last 15 years but unfortunately schedules this summer just wouldn’t allow it - a bummer. So, I’ve gathered images to satiate my thirst for more shells! And I need to get the family on-board with a day trip - ASAP! ha!

Til next time friends. I hope your summer is going swimmingly and I’ll see you over on Instagram!

So This Is 59!!!

I had a birthday friends and was able to keep the celebration going over a several days. I wanted to mark the events here and share them with you.

It started with dinner with my two besties. We drank We talked We ate!

We dined at DeNovo right along the train tracks. Everything was delicious.

They showered me with love!

The next day found me at an Estate Sale in Montclair. The house was incredible with views of NYC. I bought books of course!

Then we popped by The Collective Bookstore in Verona. I love my new bag!

Saturday we were off to Baltimore. Our first stop was the Rusty Scupper.

The Scupper is on the water with wonderful views of the Inner Harbor.

After lunch and a pit-stop at our Hotel we went to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. We had amazing seats down the 3rd base line on the Club level. Thanks so much to my sister for getting these awesome seats!

Sad that the Orioles lost but, we all had a great time!

It’d been hours since lunch and we found ourselves at the restaurant in our Hotel - the Marriott. I got a slice of the most decadent and delicious chocolate cake!

Sunday we stopped in Havre de Grace, MD and visited the Seneca Cannery Antiques. It’s massive friends with 3 floors!

I was really loved the square dish but, I resisted the urge - I try hard to be deliberate when thrifting. Only bringing home things I can’t live without. The premium saltine tin was one we had when I was growing up and it reminds me of my late brother; so whenever I see home I snap a pic. The flowered sheets - my mother had this set and the books are a set we owned in my childhood. I loved the Wedgwood creamer but, not for $37.50. I left it behind as well.

We had a yummy lunch after at Woody's Crab House in North East, MD.

Here are my treasures. This really unusual Walt Disney World glass dish my niece showed me (thanks T!) and this pretty petite Myott & Son & Co. dish. I also found a vintage pair of Bonwit Teller unlined ladies black gloves.

I so appreciate all the love from family and friends! 59 is starting out great! See you all over on Instagram! Be well!